1 Right on.

2 I just took an emergency/disaster preparedness class as an elective in nursing school. In preparing a report I discovered very comprehensive list recommendations at Dept of Homeland Security and FEMA websites. Check them out if interested. They tell you how to prepare for bio/chemical/nuclear/natural disasters.

3 I've often wondered how to meet up with or stay in contact with the family in case of a national emergency where our phones are no good, etc. We could be scattered all around town but need to hook up to leave together or hook up later somewhere further away if all of us are forced to leave immediately and separately. Off hand, I think that we should meet in another town that is small and an unlikely target and one that has other family members in it. Each person would know to go there or try to contact someone there. What do you think or what's your plan?

4 Woody, It's an interesting point that you've raised. I have a some friends/relatives that live in the middle of nowhere. Those would be a good choice if I and my family were separated when disaster stuck. However, if I'm anywhere nearby, I'm headed home to manage the situation directly. I need to think about this some more. I'll probably post a followup in the near future.